Richard Yonck

Richard Yonck

Keynote Speaker: Futurist & Artificial Intelligence Expert; Author of "Future Minds"; Founder of Intelligent Future Consulting

Richard Yonck Biography

Recognized globally for his ongoing research at the nexus of artificial and human intelligence, Richard Yonck has been helping audiences and businesses better understand the implications of exponential progress for decades— all while asking the question: What kind of future do we really want? Drawing from a wealth of hands-on experience in technology, media and consultancy — from systems analysis and science writing to founding a futures consulting firm — Yonck translates deep technical understanding into vivid foresight, exploring how advances in AI, healthcare, automation and workforce issues, quantum technologies, agritech, hybrid intelligence, and next-generation biotech will shape business, society, and personal identity. All while maintaining a human-centric focus on how we build the world of tomorrow.

As a keynote speaker and advisor, Yonck has engaged audiences all over the world. His diverse list of clients includes Fortune 500 multinationals, governments, institutions, top universities and NGOs, such as Microsoft, Amazon, Samsung, Xerox, Naturipe, Fast Company, Atotech, U.S. State Department, UNDP, NATO, Georgetown University, and many others. Speaking at international conferences and industry summits, he offers a unique, deeply informed vantage point on emerging technologies and strategic futures.

Yonck’s presentations — described by attendees as “awe-inspiring,” “passionate,” and “mind-blowing” — are grounded in rigorous analysis and delivered with clarity and urgency. He assists businesses, governments, and organizations in anticipating coming disruptions and building resilience — not by defending the status quo, but by helping to shape a future that aligns technological possibility with human values.

Yonck is the author of two internationally-acclaimed nonfiction books — Future Minds and Heart of the Machine — that examine not only what machines will become, but how people might be transformed as a result as well. In Heart of the Machine, he explores machines capable of perceiving and influencing human emotion; in Future Minds he peers further ahead into a world where intelligence — artificial and human — evolves together. His latest science-fiction thriller, Mindstock explores some of these technologies through a very different lens, in order to better anticipate other possible futures.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Richard Yonck and other top speakers and celebrities.

Richard Yonck Speaking Topics

Whatever Happened to Emotional Machines?

It's been ten years since futurist Richard Yonck wrote "Heart of the Machine," the essential book about a world in which computers, robots and everyday devices would one day recognize, respond to, and even influence our emotions. Today, Emotion AI is everywhere, though not always in the ways we expected. No longer science fiction, it’s increasingly part of our everyday world. This important keynote asks what we got right, what surprised us, and where emotionally aware technology could be taking us next.

Because emotion is such a core aspect of the human condition, these technologies are increasingly being used in everything from education, health care, the military, social robotics, law enforcement, autism detection and therapies, political campaigns, advertising, marketing and much more. But much has changed over the past decade and the path this technology was on, isn't where it is today.

As one audience member recently observed: ""I learned more listening to you for a half hour than I learned from the entire rest of the conference.""

Audience results:

  • Discover the origins and capabilities of this fascinating technology.
  • Find out what was predicted, what changed and what comes next.
  • Explore the potentials, risks, and limits of Emotion AI in order to better understand its future business roles.
  • Learn the limits of current technology and how AI's next chapter could supercharge emotion AI.

Spatial AI, Agentic Assistants and the Future of Hybrid Intelligence

The next advances in AI will transform nearly everything about our world, allowing us to interact with our technologies in ways we can barely imagine. But these advances won’t come without their costs and challenges. As we enter this new phase of techno-human collaboration, what are the questions we should be asking ourselves and how can we ensure the technology benefits our lives, helping us to build a better tomorrow? In this enthralling talk by the best-selling author of Future Minds and Heart of the Machine, Richard Yonck explores the future of AI that goes beyond the hype.

Building the Innovation Ecosystems of Tomorrow

Innovation has always been critical to how we build our world. What new forms of intelligence, creativity, discovery, team building, financing, and infrastructure will soon drive the startups of tomorrow? How will we manage the accelerating pace of change, even as we propel it still faster? Perhaps most importantly, how will we innovate the innovation ecosystems of tomorrow?

Automation, Employment & the Future of the Workforce

Augmented Reality Docent. Genetics Interpreter. Digital Reputation Scrubber. VR Addiction Counselor. These are just a few of the new job titles we’re likely to see in the near future. At the same time, we’re told that many of today’s jobs will soon disappear. How will we adapt to a changing world where many of the jobs people have always performed are no longer needed? Just as importantly, how do we prepare for the jobs that don’t yet even exist?

Healthcare 2045: The Amazing Era of Hyper-Personalized Medicine

Next-generation gene therapies. Micro-interventions. mRNA-based cancer vaccines. Vastly extended healthspans and lifespans. Discover how the emerging technologies of AI, biotechnology, regenerative medicine, bionics and more are transforming the future of health care, wellness and longevity.

Richard Yonck Videos

How technology transforms human intelligence | Richard Yonck | TEDxSnoIsleLibraries
RTY Futurist Speaker Showreel 2026
Fly Asia

How do I book Richard Yonck to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Richard Yonck for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Richard Yonck, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Richard Yonck or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Richard Yonck for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Richard Yonck, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Richard Yonck are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Richard Yonck, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Richard Yonck speak about?

Richard Yonck is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Futurism, TED, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Engineering, Personal Growth, Emotional Intelligence, Innovation, Creativity, Business Consulting, Technology, Strategic Leadership, Future of Work and Author.

Where does Richard Yonck travel from?

Richard Yonck generally travels from Seattle, WA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Richard Yonck?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Richard Yonck for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805, and one of our agents will assist you to book Richard Yonck for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Richard Yonck or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


Richard Yonck is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Futurism, TED and Artificial Intelligence. The estimated speaking fee range to book Richard Yonck for live events is $10,000 - $20,000, and for virtual events $10,000 - $20,000. Richard Yonck generally travels from Seattle, WA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Andrew Busch, Alex Salkever and Asha Saxena. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Richard Yonck for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 27/10/2026.

Richard Yonck Speaking Topics

  • Whatever Happened to Emotional Machines?

    It's been ten years since futurist Richard Yonck wrote "Heart of the Machine," the essential book about a world in which computers, robots and everyday devices would one day recognize, respond to, and even influence our emotions. Today, Emotion AI is everywhere, though not always in the ways we expected. No longer science fiction, it’s increasingly part of our everyday world. This important keynote asks what we got right, what surprised us, and where emotionally aware technology could be taking us next.

    Because emotion is such a core aspect of the human condition, these technologies are increasingly being used in everything from education, health care, the military, social robotics, law enforcement, autism detection and therapies, political campaigns, advertising, marketing and much more. But much has changed over the past decade and the path this technology was on, isn't where it is today.

    As one audience member recently observed: ""I learned more listening to you for a half hour than I learned from the entire rest of the conference.""

    Audience results:

    • Discover the origins and capabilities of this fascinating technology.
    • Find out what was predicted, what changed and what comes next.
    • Explore the potentials, risks, and limits of Emotion AI in order to better understand its future business roles.
    • Learn the limits of current technology and how AI's next chapter could supercharge emotion AI.

  • Spatial AI, Agentic Assistants and the Future of Hybrid Intelligence

    The next advances in AI will transform nearly everything about our world, allowing us to interact with our technologies in ways we can barely imagine. But these advances won’t come without their costs and challenges. As we enter this new phase of techno-human collaboration, what are the questions we should be asking ourselves and how can we ensure the technology benefits our lives, helping us to build a better tomorrow? In this enthralling talk by the best-selling author of Future Minds and Heart of the Machine, Richard Yonck explores the future of AI that goes beyond the hype.

  • Building the Innovation Ecosystems of Tomorrow

    Innovation has always been critical to how we build our world. What new forms of intelligence, creativity, discovery, team building, financing, and infrastructure will soon drive the startups of tomorrow? How will we manage the accelerating pace of change, even as we propel it still faster? Perhaps most importantly, how will we innovate the innovation ecosystems of tomorrow?

  • Automation, Employment & the Future of the Workforce

    Augmented Reality Docent. Genetics Interpreter. Digital Reputation Scrubber. VR Addiction Counselor. These are just a few of the new job titles we’re likely to see in the near future. At the same time, we’re told that many of today’s jobs will soon disappear. How will we adapt to a changing world where many of the jobs people have always performed are no longer needed? Just as importantly, how do we prepare for the jobs that don’t yet even exist?

  • Healthcare 2045: The Amazing Era of Hyper-Personalized Medicine

    Next-generation gene therapies. Micro-interventions. mRNA-based cancer vaccines. Vastly extended healthspans and lifespans. Discover how the emerging technologies of AI, biotechnology, regenerative medicine, bionics and more are transforming the future of health care, wellness and longevity.

Richard Yonck Videos

How technology transforms human intelligence | Richard Yonck | TEDxSnoIsleLibraries
RTY Futurist Speaker Showreel 2026
Fly Asia
Fly Asia 2022 Keynote
DEF 2023 Keynote
  • How do I book Richard Yonck to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Richard Yonck for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Richard Yonck, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Richard Yonck or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book Richard Yonck for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for Richard Yonck, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Richard Yonck are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Richard Yonck, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Richard Yonck speak about?

    Richard Yonck is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Futurism, TED, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Engineering, Personal Growth, Emotional Intelligence, Innovation, Creativity, Business Consulting, Technology, Strategic Leadership, Future of Work and Author.
  • Where does Richard Yonck travel from?

    Richard Yonck generally travels from Seattle, WA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for Richard Yonck?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Richard Yonck for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805, and one of our agents will assist you to book Richard Yonck for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Richard Yonck or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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